A deep clean with white vinegar and water (mixed 1:1) is the best way to eliminate lingering odors. The acid in the vinegar neutralizes mildew and bacteria without leaving behind a harsh chemical scent.
The best refrigerator odor eliminators vary by your specific needs, ranging from long-lasting activated charcoal gadgets for heavy-duty absorption to budget-friendly baking soda solutions.
No matter how tidy your fridge is, there's probably something in there that should be thrown out. Examples include condiments that have been opened for over 12 months, leftovers older than 4 days, and fresh meat and seafood past their prime.
Ways to remove fridge smells naturally. In addition to cleaning your refrigerator's interior and parts, there are natural ways to help eliminate some odors, such as baking soda and vinegar.
It typically takes 1 to 24 hours for vinegar to neutralize household odors and for its own scent to completely dissipate. The timeframe depends on the severity of the smell and the application method:
White vinegar diluted with warm water helps remove many yellow stains and spills in your refrigerator. Vinegar's acidity can break down a stain and help remove grease and grime buildups. Be sure to wipe your fridge clean with a damp cloth and dry all cleaned surfaces with a towel.
Yes, but proceed with extreme caution. Fabuloso is a multi-surface cleaner that can be used on plastic and acrylic, but its strong perfume easily absorbs into food. If you use it, you must heavily dilute it and wipe the fridge down thoroughly with clean water to prevent your food from tasting like chemicals.
Yes, you can use Clorox wipes inside your fridge. However, because the fridge stores food, it is important to take safety precautions to avoid chemical residue:
Yes, you can use Windex on the glass shelves inside your fridge, but it is not recommended for cleaning the plastic walls or drawers.
Vinegar/Water spray. Or Lemon Juice/Water spray. Wipe away with damp cloth.
Zero Odor - Permanently Eliminate Air & Surface Odors!
If your fridge still smells after cleaning, hidden debris or bacteria are likely trapped out of sight. The most common culprits are a clogged drain line, a dirty drip pan, or odor trapped inside the plastic lining and door gaskets.
The best overall fridge odor eliminators are activated charcoal for heavy-duty, long-lasting odor absorption, and baking soda for neutralizing acidic food smells.
Yes, lemons are highly effective at absorbing and neutralizing odors in a fridge. The citric acid naturally breaks down odor-causing molecules, while the fruit's oils replace them with a fresh citrus scent.
If you prefer a natural approach, several household items can work as effective fridge deodorisers: Vinegar: Soak a small towel in white vinegar, place it in an open bowl, and leave it in the fridge for 24 hours. Vinegar neutralises strong smells.
Contrary to social media trends, Bell says it's not a good idea to clean the inside of your fridge with bleach. “Most appliance manufacturers urge against the use of bleach for cleaning the fridge, as it can harm the materials of the fridge interior and can be a safety risk if transferred to food,” she says.
Tips for Cleaning Your Fridge
To Remove Odors from Refrigerators and Freezers
Dispose of any spoiled or questionable food. Remove shelves, crispers, and ice trays. Wash them thoroughly with hot water and detergent. Then rinse with a sanitizing solution (1 tablespoon unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water).
Spray the interior of the refrigerator with a non-abrasive, degreasing cleaner to help kill mold, mildew and germs. You can also dip a clean sponge or cloth in a mild detergent mixed with warm water, white vinegar or a mix of baking soda and hot water. Spray or wipe the walls, door and permanent shelves.
Use a gentle cleaner like Dawn dish soap + a microfiber cloth. Do it before your weekly grocery trip so you know what you have and your fridge isn't packed. Line drawers with paper towels after cleaning to keep them fresh longer (THIS IS A GAME CHANGER!)
Tackle a very dirty fridge efficiently by completely emptying it, removing all shelves and drawers to soak, and wiping down the interior from top to bottom with a simple vinegar and dish soap solution.
8 mistakes to avoid when deep cleaning your fridge